Responding to Islamophobia: important resources
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March, 2017credit J. MacPherson CC-BYResources for solidarity with our Muslim neighbours
Regardless of political views, anyone who believes in human rights or basic human decency is likely feeling deeply troubled by many recent events, most shockingly the massacre of six worshipers at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.

Incidents of white supremacy and other forms of hatred, in particular Islamophobia, anti-migrant and refugee sentiments, and antisemitism, seem to be on the rise. As Friends, individually and collectively we may feel led to respond when Islamophobic rallies are carried out in front of mosques, or when threats are made to Jewish schools.

CFSC believes that our responses must be informed and show care for all, so as to speak to the humanity in others and not to escalate potentially violent situations. But how can we respond when we witness a hateful act? We've put together a list of many excellent resources and suggestions on this crucially important topic. Please read it and share it! http://quakerservice.ca/RespondingtoHate*Updated* Fact Sheet – UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
CFSC has been talking about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples since day one, but we're hearing about it more and more these days. From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to the Prime Minister to Indigenous Peoples themselves, community groups, the media… people are interested in the Declaration. But what is it? What does it say? Why does it matter?

This fact sheet is designed as a double-sided handout to explain the Declaration. It is perfect for printing for a bulletin board or to hand out at educational events. You can pair it with pocket-sized copies of the UN Declaration (contact the CFSC office to order!) http://quakerservice.ca/UNDeclarationFactsPeace tax return forms available now
A Peace Tax Return is a gesture of resistance to military spending. You may choose to register your conscientious objection to paying for war in one of two ways. You can declare your objection (an email will be sent to the government with a copy to your MP once you fill in a few bits of information), or you can take the further step of withholding the portion of your taxes that would fund Canada's military. Both options are available via this years' online Peace Tax Return form: http://www.consciencecanada.ca/eptr/Impacts of industrial projects on Indigenous women and children
CFSC is deeply concerned by the impacts of resource development projects on many aspects of Indigenous Peoples' human rights. We recommend reading a new study about particular impacts on Indigenous women and children in remote communities where industrial camps are established.

The study looks at what happens in remote Indigenous communities when industrial camps are setup. Findings include increased rates of sexual assault and violence, addictions, sexually transmitted infections, and family violence. The study was initiated by Lake Babine First Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation. Read it at http://bit.ly/2mqhzJb (PDF).Canadian School of Peacebuilding
Canadian Mennonite University offers the Canadian School of Peacebuilding to educate people about peace skills and issues. This year the school is running two sessions: June 12-16 and June 19-23.

Right now a free training video, one example of what participants hear when going to the school, is available online. The video deals with community development in Pakistan as an aspect of peacebuilding. On the webpage for the video training you can find a link to learn about the courses offered this summer and register for the Canadian School of Peacebuilding 2017. http://csop.cmu.ca/free-video-training/Welcome Maggie Sager
We are happy to welcome Maggie Sager, our new Summer Program Assistant. Maggie will be working with us full-time from May to August. Her work will not only support the smooth functioning of the office here at Friends House, but will also provide direct assistance to the program committees as they do CFSC's service work.

Maggie is pursuing her doctorate in Sexual Diversity Studies and Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Toronto. Her past work experience includes interning for American Friends Service Committee and volunteering as a member of the UC Berkeley Students for Justice in Palestine. You will be able to contact her this summer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.FacebookTwitterCFSC websiteThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.